Evaluating Earthquake Damage
NEW ZEALAND - A group of 500 farmers met at Darfield High School, in Canterbury on Thursday evening, to to hear experts as well as regional and national leaders detail support measures for North Canterbury’s rural recovery.
10 September 2010
2 minute read
Organised by Federated Farmers, ministers reassured attendees that Government will work with the rural community to help rural North Canterbury recover. Federated Farmers will continue to work with Government and the recently established Regional Rural Recovery Group to do this.
Aside from damage to rural housing, grain silos, some farm buildings and holes in paddocks, there is still damage that has yet to be quantified because it is under the ground. There was considerable concern regarding buried water infrastructure, in particular water bores. Some practical tips of what to do and what not to do were given."
The fault line has left fissure and holes through paddocks which are a danger to stock. It is just going to take some more time to get a full assessment of the damage and how to fix some of it.
“And then there is the stress of the aftershocks that all Cantabrians are feeling. Federated Farmers made it clear to everybody there they should not be afraid to ask for support. Rural families can do this by calling 0800 FARMING (0800 327 646), which is being manned over the weekend.
Speaking about water irrigation issues, Paul Donaldson of Water Force and Irrigation NZ reminded farmers that health and safety is most important. Electricity is dangerous so always assume live power. Potable water supply should be the first priority.
If people don’t need to run their bores, leave them until they can be checked. If starting irrigators and sludge comes out, the suggestion was to run the pump at 20 percent and to keep going unless the discharge is devastatingly bad – it should clear over time.
Nigel Barnett, Selwyn District Councillor noted that as aftershocks have continued, the concern has shifted from infrastructure to people’s wellbeing.
He advised that sewage is up and running and roads are all passable, with alternative routes around closed bridges. Reticulated water schemes have been tested and most boil water notices have been lifted. He urged people concerned about the water quality of private drinking water bores, to contact the council and they will test it for free. The water race system is operating, but he asked people to let the council know if there any issues.
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